“We will continue to allow the transfer of services of expats from companies in the red zone to those in the green zone,” Labor Minister Adel Fakeih told business owners.

Other solutions include the introduction of a labor rental system for businesses, the division of the green zone into low, intermediate and high categories and the reduction of the minimum requirements for construction firms and workshops to reach green and platinum zones.

Legalizing work for expats’ dependents has been projected by Fakeih as another solution. “We have also introduced a system to issue quick visas and have published a directory of the Nitaqat program,” the minister said.

Speaking about the two-day weekend approved by the Shoura Council, another ministry official said that the implementation of the Shoura’s decision would depend on a Cabinet decision or on a royal decree.

The official also pointed out that expat services could be transferred from individual sponsors to companies through its electronic platforms.

The ministry urged private firms to follow regulations for wage protection. “We will take strong action against companies that violate the law,” said Faisal Al Otaibi, director of inspections at the ministry.

He said companies that delay implementing the system for a month would be included among firms that face continuous inspections. “We will deny our services, with the exception of services for work permits, to firms that delay implementation for two months.”